Emerald is expected to use Honeywell's UOP/Eni Ecofining process technology to produce 85 million gallons per year of Honeywell Green Diesel from non-edible, second-generation oils and animal fats.

Unlike traditional biodiesel, Honeywell Green Diesel can be used in any proportion in existing fuel tanks without infrastructure changes, according to the company.

Emerald is an Illinois-based transportation fuel company that focuses on building renewable diesel refineries that produce environmentally friendly transportation fuels at prices competitive to petroleum-based fuels. International Alliance Group will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the project.

Honeywell's UOP and Eni SpA jointly developed the UOP/Eni Ecofining process, which uses hydroprocessing technology to convert non-edible natural oils and animal fats to Honeywell Green Diesel. The fuel offers improved performance over biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel, according to its makers, including a high cetane value of 80 compared with a cetane range of 40 to 60 found in diesel at the pump today.